How To Open Ramune: The Ultimate Guide!

POV: You just got ramune from Japan! Maybe you scored it in your latest TokyoTreat monthly subscription box or you found a tasty one on Japanese goods marketplace JapanHaul? You’re super psyched! There are so many awesome ramune flavors to try! Which did you get?

Ramune is the king of Japanese carbonated drinks and has been popular since it was introduced to Japan in 1884! It’s known for being a Japanese summer favorite and for its cool bottle design with a marble in the top that acts as a stopper. 

Now you’re in a sticky situation… “How do I open my ramune bottle?”

Ramune is a tricky Japanese soda to master. The glass marble in the top makes it a super fun Japanese drinking experience. And the codd-neck bottle stops the marble from getting out, meaning it’s totally safe – even for kids! 

But opening a bottle of Japanese ramune can be tricky. Especially if you’re a first-timer. Don’t worry though – Your pals at TokyoTreat are here to give you a hand! Follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying ramune soda in no time!

Step 1: Open the Seal and Take Out The Opener

Maybe it’s obvious you start with opening the bottle (duh).  But this part can actually be the most confusing part. 

First –  rip open the plastic seal! You’ll find the cap of the ramune bottle (it’s usually a blue or green cap). Inside the cap you’ll find a bottle opener of a different color (pink is pretty common). 

Pull out the stopper from the top of the ramune bottle by first removing it from the blue green cap. It should fall out or might need a gentle pull. It should look like a small hat.

Now get ready – the party’s about to start!

Pro Tip! Look inside and you’ll see the glass marble! Before you open it, you can even hold the ramune bottle over your head and nothing will come out!

See what Japanese drinks JapanHaul has in store! Or you can always sign up to TokyoTreat for your monthly fun Japanese soda & drink fix! Join the snacktacular fun!

Step 2: Put the Opener Back

Okay… We did literally just tell you to take out the ramune opener from the cap. 

But now it’s time to put it back in the blue or green cap on top of the ramune bottle. It won’t fit quite the same though. This time it’ll be sticking out of the bottle more. Place it on top of the bottle and get ready to…

Step 3: PUSH!

Push down on the ramune bottle opener! It’s time to release the marble stopper!

Make sure you’re pushing down on a flat surface. Since it’s a glass bottle, don’t start by pushing too hard as it could be dangerous! Start by pushing the flat surface of the bottle opener with the palm of your hand gently and gradually start to push down harder. 

Eventually – you’ll push the marble into the soda! Get ready for a super satisfying “clink” sound as the marble hits the glass.

Step 4: Play with the marble a little!

Optional… but when in Rome. Ramune marble soda is an authentic Japanese carbonated soft drink that has been loved for over 100 years – and the glass marble is part of the fun! 

Try rolling it around a little. You’ll never get tired or the cute ramune marble “clink” sound around all the fizzy, carbonated soda goodness. Trust us!

Step 5: Enjoy!

Had fun opening the bottle? Now it’s time to get down to business – enjoying your favorite Japanese soda! When you drink, the marble acts as a stopper. See if you can work with the marble soda to master the perfect rhythm and pace for drinking ramune! 

Pro Tip! Don’t try holding the bottle over your head anymore… The stopper is great – but it’s not leak proof… We learnt that the hard way…

And you’re done!
Your ramune adventure has come to an end. But don’t worry, there are always more awesome flavors to try! From the classic lemon lime ramune to the ultimately Japanese sakura ramune! You can even get more adventurous with takoyaki or French fry ramune. 

And for all you adventurous snackers, there are hundreds of interesting Japanese sodas to explore, like Japan exclusive Coke, refreshing and fruity Japanese melon soda and so much more. A must try for all soda aficionados. 

Need a little more help? Check out this handy-dandy guide made by us or check out the Youtube video below!